I research alternative investments in established and emerging markets and explore nontraditional investment options.

Many Investing Alternatives Are Proving to be Great Investments

From
beating rising inflation, to lowering risk and delivering steady
returns, alternative investments are proving that they are a great
investing option.

I have spoken about alternatives for
investors on several occasions, and while one must carefully review
investments, confidently knowing which ones are the best investments is
what assures great asset selection. Many investment alternatives are
proving to be a great option, and even though they should be a small
portion of your overall portfolio, there can be lucrative returns to be
made with the right selection; at the right time.

In a 2012 study
of luxury goods, found in Knight Frank's Luxury Investment Index, it was
reported that over the course of ten years; as much as a whopping 174%
average return was taken on several product categories. Classic cars,
antique watches and other luxury goods can make for a good investment,
as demand for these assets steadfast. Rare, special collector coins
yielded a huge return of more than 225%, and classic cars leading the
way with a 430% return over a ten year period. Returns like these are
unusual, but they are there if one has the appetite for these type of
alternatives.

Real estate internationally is showing great returns of late as the UK's luxury real estate market
has seen growth for the past two years, with Asian and Mid-East
investors scooping up commercial and residential properties throughout
London and surrounding countryside. It's far from over, and can provide
great investment return.
A Little More on Classic Cars: This excerpt taken from The Guardian – Shortcuts Blog.

According
to Talacrest, an Ascot-based specialist that has sold some $600m-worth
of classic Ferraris, vintage Ferraris are "the Picassos of the car
world", increasingly seen as a rock-solid investment. The man believed
to have sold this particular model, Jon Hunt, founder of Foxton's estate
agency, wouldn't quibble with that: he appears to have made £4.5
million on the car in the four years he owned it.

But here's
the thing: in 1963, the same car cost £6,000. As investments go, could
you have done any better? If you had hung on to the car, your initial
outlay would have multiplied nearly 3,400 times. So where is it safest
to put your money?

Working out the returns on long-term investments is not easy. For one thing, it is necessary to choose investments that beat inflation
and preserve your personal wealth. According to thisismoney.co.uk,
£6,000 in 1963 is the equivalent of just over £100,000 now. But all the
same, in 1963 an ounce of gold cost $35.09 (£22). In late January 2014
it was trading at $1,700 (£1,069) an ounce – an unbelievable 49-fold
increase.

Then, there are the "alternatives to alternatives" which
provide a lower risk, albeit lower return, but growth through
conservatism is a strategy for many investors. Some of these include:

Convertible Mutual Funds

High Yield Bonds

Short Equity

Not to be forgotten, in recent years there have been numerous other alternative product categories that are emerging as good alternatives for investors,
as well. For example, fueled by the increase in demand for durable
goods globally, Intermodal transport companies have proven to deliver
good investment returns; throughout the worldwide economic downturn.
Moreover, with the worldwide shipping port and infrastructure investments, as well as the expansion of the Panama Canal,
the maritime and railway transportation of cargo containers is expected
to see dramatic growth. Thus, it is expected that investors will
discover excellent vehicles for long-term investment success.

An entrepreneur at a young age, I began my first business when I was 9. I would sneak on to the private golf club course and search for lost golf balls in the woods and water. Some days I would find a hundred or more. After taking them back home and washing them thoroughly, I would return to the golf course and sell the balls I had found, a dozen at a time.

The point I am getting at is that I have always found unconventional ways to earn and save money.